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The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center fielded 180,000 calls related to pet poisonings in 2012, and this article lists the five most common toxic substances encountered by pets, according to the organization. Prescription human medication caused the most issues, with 25,000 calls, followed by insecticide exposure, which frequently involved cats. Over-the-counter human medications, veterinary compounds and household products also were problematic for pets.

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Many common household and yard items can be toxic and even deadly for pets, and many owners aren't aware of the dangers of some items, according to a Petplan survey. Lesser-known dangers include tulip bulbs and cocoa mulch. The most common source of calls to the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center in 2013 was human medications.

Prescription drugs for humans topped the ASPCA's report on the top 10 pet poisons in 2013, ranked by call volume to the organization's Animal Poison Control Center. Insecticides took second place, followed by over-the-counter drugs for humans; household products; human food (such as onions, garlic, grapes and the sugar substitute xylitol); veterinary products and drugs; chocolate; mouse and rat poison; plants and lawn and garden products. Additional items appeared on a list compiled by Trupanion, which noted the dangers of caffeine, antifreeze, yeast dough and other things found around the home.

The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center fielded 180,000 calls related to pet poisonings in 2012, and this article lists the five most common toxic substances encountered by pets, according to the organization. Prescription human medication caused the most issues, with 25,000 calls, followed by insecticide exposure, which frequently involved cats. Over-the-counter human medications, veterinary compounds and household products also were problematic for pets.

Human medications and supplements pose serious risks to pets, and exposures accounted for many of last year's 180,000 calls to the Animal Poison Control Center. Heart medications are the most commonly eaten pills, said veterinarian Tina Wismer, but there are a host of others, including over-the-counter substances, that can sicken pets. "It only takes one extra-strength naproxen to kill a shih tzu-type dog. Ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure in dogs and cats, and acetaminophen can actually cause the blood to change so it can't carry oxygen and cause liver failure," Dr. Wismer said.

Accidental pet poisonings in 2012 increased 7% over the previous year, according to the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center, and human medications are often the culprit. Insurance claims for toxin exposure and ingestion submitted to PetPlan averaged $465 after deductibles were met. To prevent accidental pet poisonings, veterinarians recommend storing medications properly and taking them when pets aren't around. "Assume anything a kid can get into, pets can get into," said veterinarian Kevin Fitzgerald.